PIE&G funds boost search and rescue division

Division Leader Beth Riker expressed thanks to the individual PIE&G members who contribute to the Communities First Fund, since their generosity will help the rescue unit continue its service to the people of northeast Michigan.“We were very pleased that they chose to help us with purchasing breast collar and bridle...

ONAWAY — The members of the Cheboygan County Mounted Search and Rescue Division will now have new equipment for their horses and first aid kits to aid them in their searches.

A $1,300 grant from the Presque Isle Electric & Gas, PIE&G, Communities First Fund was recently awarded to the Cheboygan County Equine Youth & Family, Inc. organization, from which 12 volunteers, along with the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department, created a mounted search and rescue unit to help search for lost individuals.

The local nonprofit CCEY&F group consists of families, youth and adults who enjoy horses and riding. The mounted division includes both men and women, all who have been deputized and who are first aid- and CPR-certified. Two of the members are also registered nurses.

"The volunteers have completed extensive training in the past year, which includes preparing their horses to become familiar with unnatural obstacles encountered on a search," said PIE&G Member Services Manager Mairè Chagnon-Hazelman.

"Riders are trained in CPR and First Aid and the Sheriff's Department also provides additional training to use state-of-the-art tracking and GPS equipment. The grant was used to purchase breast collars and headstalls for the horses and portable first aid kits."

Division Leader Beth Riker expressed thanks to the individual PIE&G members who contribute to the Communities First Fund, since their generosity will help the rescue unit continue its service to the people of northeast Michigan.

"We were very pleased that they chose to help us with purchasing breast collar and bridle sets for each of our horses and some first aid items for each of our deputies to carry," Riker said.

"Besides being beautiful, the breast collars are an important safety device for keeping our saddles in place on rough terrain. Another very important part of the grant was the first aid kits. These kits are wonderful. Thanks to Marian Harrison, one of our deputies who researched the kits and put the items together for us, these kits are packed full of everything we could possibly need in the event that we come across someone who is in need of a little help. It is also nice to have for our riders and their horses.

"Each of our deputies would like to say thank you to PIE&G and all of their members who donate to the Communities First Fund," Riker added. "This grant program is a wonderful way to give back to the community."